Dubai has long been known for its extravagant weekend brunches – indulgent affairs of all-you-can-eat buffets and unlimited beverages complete with DJs and a party atmosphere. But what the city still needs to offer is a glamorous weekend lunch – a spot where well-heeled diners can catch up and celebrate life in a design-led setting (the restaurant is the work of renowned Archer Humphryes Architects) with sumptuous cuisine and drinks to match – and without the mayhem often associated with a Dubai brunch. Enter The Guild, Dubai’s Michelin Opening of the Year and arguably the most beautiful restaurant in the city, which has launched its Saturday Service.

Bringing the spirit of the lavish and languid weekend lunches of New York, London and Paris to Dubai, the new lunchtime affair invites guests to come together and enjoy a menu of The Guild’s most loved dishes, complete with a unique cocktail and wine pairing concept. Focusing on quality over quantity, the lunch offers a classy and elevated addition to Dubai’s weekend dining scene, making it perfect for birthdays, celebrations or general catch-ups.

Served between 12pm and 4pm each Saturday, the three-course lunch is available;e for AED250 per person, which, when considering most menu items, costs upwards of AED100. A drinks pairing is available for an additional AED199, including four drinks served throughout the lunch, including classic Italian aperitifs, cellar wines and a selection of cocktails perfectly suited to each course.

The event starts with an aperitif, including a choice of sparkling wine and Campari soda with a fresh bread basket. Next come the starters, including a choice of half a dozen Amélie oysters with traditional condiments and wagyu beef carpaccio with Grana Padano, Caesar salad, garlic escargots and king crab cocktail. The Guild’s famous garlic bread for the table – is smothered in hot, bubbling garlic butter. For mains, some of The Guild’s most famous dishes are on offer, including wood-fired Australian black Angus steak frites with sauce au poivre, Atlantic brown crab spaghetti, a brisket burger and spinach and kale risotto. Mains are served with organic sharing salad for the table.

Finishing the delicious affair sees The Guild pâtissier, barista and in-house chocolatier unite to serve a choice of sweet treas like a Crème Caramel, The Guild chocolate cake and the famous Tiramisu – made using The Guild’s own single-origin coffee, mascarpone and Valrhona chocolate. 

Saturday Service at The Guild is accompanied by music from a live three-piece band, creating a grand European-style brassiere experience, and is the perfect high-end brunch alternative for a wonderful weekend in Dubai.

AED250 for three courses, AED199 for four pairing beverages; theguilddubai.com, @theguilddubai

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